The
NOVEMBER 2011
Porchlight
A Note from Derwin
Jackson
It’s already November and
the year is nearly over!
Over the last few months,
I hope you have noticed
all the new programs
available for FHA residents
in the Community Center
Building (formerly the
Administration Building
at 100 Spring Street). These include
HeadStart, Franktown Tutoring and a
new computer lab. This month, Resident
Services is excited to be announcing even
more programs!
In this month’s Porchlight, you’ll notice a
host of new enrichment programs that
we hope you’ll be a part of. We’re offering
everything from weekly yoga classes and
guitar lessons, to budgeting and computer
classes. We are also proud to announce a
new partnership with the Global Education
Center to bring you a new program every
month. The first class will take place
November 19 in the Community Center
Building, where you can learn to play the
drums and maybe some new moves with
Zumbatomic, a fun dance and fitness
class for kids and adults.
You’ll also see an article about our new
Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This
program will begin soon for families who
are actively working toward financial
self-sufficiency. For more information on
the FSS program, contact Cyndi Clark at
791-1247, ext 3, ext.5.
Because of the hard work of Resident
Services, you will continue to see new
programs come into the Community
Center Building. We hope you will take
advantage of these new opportunities and
encourage your friends and neighbors to
join you.
We hope you all have a wonderful and
happy Thanksgiving!
Derwin Jackson
Executive Director
New Enrichment Programs for FHA
Residents
Lots of exciting, new enrichment programs are coming to FHA this
month. Be sure to mark your calendar to come out and join us!
Laughter Yoga with Kristina Giard
Thursdays, Noon - 1 p.m. in the Tulip Poplar Room
When is the last time you had a really, really good deep belly laugh?
Did you know that laughter is not only fun to do, but it actually is
good for you? Research shows that laughter is excellent for your
body because it stimulates your organs by increasing your intake of
air, it reduces your stress levels and it soothes tensions. In addition,
it has long-term benefits such as promoting an improved immune
system, relieves pain and can increase self-esteem by helping you
cope with difficult situations. Come out and see what is so darn
funny down at the FHA Community Center Building and how you
can shape up by laughing and cutting up for an hour. The Health
Department’s Kristina Giard will lead a group in Laughter Yoga most
Thursdays beginning this month (will not take place 2nd Thursday
of the month and holidays). You have to experience this very unique
kind of yoga; once you do, you will love its effect on you!
Guitar Lessons with Rod Waggoner
Thursdays, 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. In the Redbud/Tulip Poplar Room
Rod Waggoner is a Franklin resident and musician who has a
passion for teaching people how to play and appreciate music. He
and his wife, Laura, have worked in Nashville with the Set Free
Program, teaching people from all ages and backgrounds to play
the guitar and the drums. He wanted to give back to our community
here in Franklin and is prepared to offer guitar lessons, free of
charge to Franklin Housing Authority residents. He will provide both
the instructions and the instruments. Classes for children ages 12
and younger will begin at 4:00 p.m., and the teen/adult class will
begin at 4:30. Hurry and sign up for this opportunity! Class size is
limited so please Resident Services at 794-1247 ext. 3, ext 5, to
make a reservation.
Global Adventures: Travel the World from Your Own Backyard
Every Third Saturday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Resident Services will collaborate with the Global Education Center
every third Saturday to bring you drum lessons, Zumba and dance
classes, featuring dances from around the world and modern dance
forms that are inspired by world dancing traditions: Zumba, Latin,
West African, Brazilian and, yes, even hip-hop! Each month will
feature a dance form from cultures around the world, as well as
regular Zumbatomic sessions, culinary lessons and drum lessons
for the whole family. Global Ed has worked with our children at the
Scholars’ camp for the past summer and is always fun and popular.
The series will include a Polynesian Luau, with entertainment and
food for all at our May Family Fun Day. Broaden your horizons, learn
about the world and bust some new moves.
Continued on Page 2
2
Enrichment Programs Continued from Page 1
Basic Yoga with Kristina Giard
Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Williamson County Library
If you are interested in exploring more traditional and basic yoga, join Tena and Cyndi on Wednesdays at
the Williamson County Public Library for a free yoga session with Kristina Giard. We have been taking a
small group of residents for the last several weeks and will continue to do so as long as there is interest. It’s
possible, if there is a big enough group of FHA residents who want to learn, we may be able to start a class in
the Community Center Building. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress, stretch and stay in shape; the benefits
to your mind and body are felt almost immediately after your first session. Come see for yourself why so many
people have begun to explore it. If you need a ride, or have questions, contact Resident Services- 794-1247,
ext. 3, then ext. 4 for Tena or ext. 5 for Cyndi.
Family Self Sufficiency at FHA:
Take a Step through Your New Doorway
The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) is getting
under way. Cyndi Clark presented a short introduction
to the residents who attended the Residents’
Association Members Meeting in October and was
able to create a sizable mailing list from this meeting
and from people who are participating in other
programs.
Recently, Cyndi mailed out invitations to 50 residents
to attend an interest meeting for the new FSS program
that FHA has been approved to offer. The invitations
had an RSVP card inside that was due back to her
by October 28. Attendance at the November 14
meeting is by invitation only; remember, if you turned
in an RSVP, you must show up to this meeting to
be considered for the program. Your attendance at
this meeting could be your first step toward home
ownership.
Anyone who is interested in learning about FSS and
would like to be considered for selection into the
program is encouraged to contact Cyndi at 794-1247,
ext. 3, ext. 5. Although by the end of this first meeting,
we will be able to make some family selections, there
is a possibility that a few spots will remain open. We’ll
communicate with you about FSS throughout the year.
Budgeting and Computer Classes Offered by ROSS Program
The ROSS program will be offering budgeting and computer classes starting November 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Anyone who is interested can attend the Money Smart workshops, which are geared to educate and motivate
individuals to start saving for their goals in life. Supper will be provided. FHA encourages all residents to
attend. You will gain valuable knowledge that can lead you toward self-sufficiency. If you are interested, please
contact Tena at 794-1247, ext. 3 then 4.
October Residents’ Association Meeting
3
Happy
Thanksgiving!
Cheesy Squash Casserole
This Thanksgiving, make something that not only tastes good, but is good for you too!
Everyone will love this healthy version of an old favorite.
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2 pounds yellow squash
1 medium onion
2 teaspoons margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat mild Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup toasted breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Wash and slice squash.
3. Chop onion.
4. Cook squash and onion in a small amount of boiling water 10 to 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside.
5. Melt margarine in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add milk and stir constantly until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
6. Remove from heat. Add cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts. Add squash mixture and stir well.
7. Coat shallow 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray and pour squash mixture in dish.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over squash.
9. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly heated.
Makes 8 portions, 1/2 cup each
Per portion
Calories: 83 Carbohydrate: 11 grams Protein: 4 grams Fat: 3 grams Saturated fat: 1 gram Cholesterol: 5
milligrams Sodium: 243 milligrams Dietary fiber: 2 grams
4
NOVEMBER
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
Rent is Due
Residents’
Association
Board Mtg: 5 pm,
Community Bldg
Board Room
6
7
Meet for Library
Basic YogaCommunity Bldg:
1:45 pm
2
14
Interest Meeting
for Family Self
Sufficiency- 5 pm
Computer Lab
20
21
28
PEST CONTROL
FHA Board of
Commissioners
Meeting; 5:30 pm
Admin Bldg, Board
Room
3
SATURDAY
4
5
11
12
Laughter Yoga Noon- Sassy Seniors 11 am- Redbud
1 pm, Tulip Poplar
Guitar Lessons:Kids
up to age 12- 4 pm,
Teens/adults4:30 pm Redbud/
Tulip Poplar
8
9
15
Franktown Tutoring:
3:30 pm - 5 pm
Redbud
ROSS Smart
Money & Mini
Computer Class
5 pm - 6:30 pm,
Community Center
computer lab
22
29
10
Late Fees Apply
OFFICE CLOSED
for Veterans’ Day
No Yoga today
Sassy Seniors Franktown Tutoring: 11 am- Redbud
3:30 pm - 5 pm
Redbud
Guitar Lessons
16
17
18
Sassy Seniors WARRANTS FILED Laughter Yoga
11 am- Redbud
Noon-1 pm, Tulip
Poplar
Meet for Library
Basic YogaFranktown Tutoring:
Community Bldg:
3:30 pm - 5 pm
1:45 pm
Redbud
Guitar Lessons
23
Meet for Library
Basic YogaCommunity Bldg:
1:45 pm
27
FRIDAY
Franktown Tutoring:
3:30 pm - 5 pm
Redbud
Franktown Tutoring: Meet for Library
3:30 pm - 5 pm
Basic YogaRedbud
Community Bldg:
1:45 pm
Residents’
Association
Members Mtg:
5 pm, Redbud
13
THURSDAY
30
24
Thanksgiving
Holiday, Offices
Closed
25
Thanksgiving
Holiday, Offices
Closed
19
Global Adventures:
Explore the World
from Your Own
Backyard:
Community Bldg:
12:30 pm - 4pm
Drums/ Dance/
Zumbatomic
26
5
Residents’ Association Message
My fellow Residents,
We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!
We would also like to wish all FHA residents a happy
Thanksgiving!
This month’s guest for the Residents’ Association meeting
will be Michael Bishop, FHA’s Public Housing Manager,
and Doug Johns, FHA’s Maintenance Supervisor. They will
be speaking about lease, maintenance and other issues
pertaining to Franklin Housing Authority. This is a good time for residents
to come listen and find out what is really going on and how to get things
done. Also, our guests will have little gifts for all who attend. We hope to
see you there.
We also have some updates on things going on with the Residents’
Association. At our last Board of Directors Meeting, the RA Board passed
a motion to change the terms of office for its officers from four and three
years to one year. This will possibly give more people the opportunity
to become RA officers. We are also moving forward to nonprofit status.
By becoming a nonprofit, we hope that the Association will have more
opportunities to improve the quality of life for FHA residents. But we need
your input on all matters concerning the Association. Remember, this is
your organization and you have all the say!
At the next meeting, we will continue to have door prizes and play Let’s
Make A Deal. We hope to see you there!
Thanks,
Calvin M. Scruggs
President, FHA Residents’ Association
RiDDLE OF THE MONTH
How many Executive Directors has the
Franklin Housing Authority had?
Residents should call the RA office at 794-1247, (prompt
3, ext.6) with the answer. Be sure to speak clearly in
your message! Please give your answer, your name
and phone number in the message. If you do not leave
a phone number or we cannot understand your message,
we do not know how to get in touch with you if you win!
Answers to October’s challenge:
Property Management
reminders:
• Because we are required to file
warrants by the 16th, all balances should be paid by then.
Michael will be filing the required
warrants on the 16th.
• Please ensure that any money
order and/or check has been
completely filled in prior to
mailing or dropping it in the
rent collection box or at
the reception window. Also,
please do not use the
abbreviation of “FHA” in the
“Pay to the Order of” line.
Moving forward, please write out
our entire business name,
Franklin Housing Authority, on
that line.
• Income Reporting: Please
note that ALL income has to
be reported, whether it is
Child Support, Social
Security, Wages from a job,
Unemployment and/
or AFDC from the Department
of Human Services. This
includes income from all heads of-household and adult (18
and over), household members.
Please understand that HUD
has a system in place, called
EIV [Enterprise Income
Verification System] that can pull
all income sources, except child
support and AFDC.
It is important to us that you
understand these policies. If you
have any questions, call
615-794-1247 and speak with
Michael.
Q) Together, two coins equal 30 cents. One is not a Quarter. What are the two
coins? A) A quarter and a nickel
ImPortant dates For
NOVEMBER:
Q) The man on the $10 bill has never been a U.S. President, what was his office
and his last name? A) US Treasurer and Hamilton
• Rent due on the 1st
• Late fees apply on the 10th
• Warrants filed on the 16th
100 Spring Street
P.O. Box 304
Franklin, TN 37064-0304
Phone: 615-794-1247
Fax: 615-794-9254
Email: [email protected]